UCDAVIS: The innovative Certificate Program in Winemaking for Online Learners is the product of a partnership between the world-renowned Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis and UC Davis Extension, the continuing education branch of UC Davis. The certificate program is designed for individuals employed in the wine industry around the world who cannot attend courses at UC Davis, but who wish to understand the science of wine production and how to apply that science in their winery. Program includes: Introduction to Winemaking, Wine Production, Quality Control and Analysis in Winemaking, Wine Stability and Sensory Analysis, and Viticulture for Winemakers. The classes are graded and rigorous, as are the courses within the degree program, but the online classes are somewhat less focused on theory and assume that the student has some practical experience in wine production. When successfully completed, these courses lead to a certificate in winemaking and cannot be applied to a degree program at Davis or elsewhere. Prices range from $650 to $2000 per class.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY: Lots of online classes through Washington State University including: Wine Production, Wine Chemistry, Enology-Viticulture Interface, Winery Equipment, Sanitation in the Winery, Wine Microbiology, Wine Sensory Evaluation and Economics of Starting a Winery. Ranging in price from $75 to $400, these lectures are taken from the very popular certificate program offered by the university. Study at home at your own pace with no exams. The downside is no instructor interaction and no certificate when complete.

WINE SPECTATOR TASTING SCHOOL: “Whether you’re starting to learn about wine or you’ve been collecting for years, our on-line courses take your wine education to the next level. Learn to get more out of each sip and share step-by-step tastings with friends.” Courses include: ABCs of Wine Tasting, Understanding Wine, Wine and Food Pairing, Sensory Evaluation, and more. Prices range from $39 to $149.

Estate 1856 Wines

Did you know that we have our own wine brand, ESTATE 1856 WINES? We have been making our special red wine blends since 2009 and every one of our table wines has won GOLD!

We also have several BEST OF CLASS wines and one special RED SWEEPSTAKES wine from the 2013 Sonoma County Harvest Fair! You can connect with us and buy our wines at WWW.ESTATE1856.COM!

Read about our 2012 Duvall's Prospect, our Bordeaux Blend, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot that has won THREE Gold Medals, TWO Double Gold Medals and ONE Platinum Medal!

Explore our two BEST OF CLASS Bordeaux varietals, our 2013 Malbec and our 2013 Petit Verdot. Not only has the 2013 Malbec won Best of Class at the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition but it also scored 95 points and a Gold Medal at the 2016 North Coast Wine Challenge and won a Gold Medal at the 2015 Grand Harvest Awards. Our 2013 Petit Verdot won a Gold Medal at the 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair, a Double Gold Medal at the 2015 Grand Harvest Awards and the coveted Best of Class at the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!